Two-time Africa Masters champion Regina Mulatya has predicted a tough challenge at the World Indoor Masters Championships set for March 24-April 1 in Torun, Poland.
All the Team Kenya athletes have never competed at the Masters Indoor Championships, leaving Mulatya concerned.
Mulatya, who will be competing in three events, will be making her debut at the championships and despite the lack of facilities during the build-up, she still hopes to shine in Europe.
"In life, we have to encounter many challenges and we shall overcome them when they come our way. I have never competed in any indoor games but the training I have had will guide me to come home with medals," said Mulatya, who has been using the Athletics Kenya weekend meetings as part of her preparations for the championships.
The Kenya Prisons wardress will be competing in the 60m track, triple jump and long jump during the six-day championships.
"During the last event (AK weekend meeting) in Thika, I managed to improve on the long jump, hitting 5.56m while in the triple jump, I have 11.07m. I also have 8.03 seconds over 60m from this morning (Monday) at Nyayo Stadium," said Mulatya.
She added that the main challenge will be competing at the 60m because she has never had time to neither train nor compete indoors.
"In jumps, it will depend on the field because I have never had time to train in such an environment. But that will not deter my efforts," she added.
Head of delegation Rose Tata Muya said: "As we debut in these indoor championships, we are determined to ensure that we come home with many medals. The athletes are well prepared for the challenge ahead. As much as it will be their first time, expect good results from the team."
She said they are doing a lot to equip the athletes with the rules and regulations which are somewhat different from outdoor competitions.
Kenya will send a team of 23 to Poland, featuring 18 athletes and five officials.
Team Kenya: Athletes; Regina Mulatya, Joel Kimisik, Ann Miano, Joseph Some, Albert Muthee, Ruth Mwende, Shirley Kalunda, James Lang'at, Grace Wanjiru, Peter Bii, Georgina Mbinya, Robert Kibet, Eric Shikuku, Kenneth Mburu, Elizabeth Muthoka, Daniel Kimeli, Rebecca Kerubo, Francis Kooli; Officials: Rose Tata Muya, Stephen Ole Marai, Vincent Mumo, Benjamin Kimaiyo, William Tanui
